MAZATLAN, Mexico, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazatlan welcomes more than 300,000 domestic and international tourists to participate in the 115th annual Carnival to celebrate the city's longstanding traditions and vibrant culture. Ranked by Forbes as one of the world's biggest celebrations – third to Rio and Mardi Gras – Mazatlan's Carnival brings together local and regional musicians, dancers and entertainers in a week-long, costume-filled festival, from February 7-12.

This year's Carnival expects to draw record tourist numbers, demonstrating that Mazatlan continues to diversify and strengthen its tourism product and offering far beyond its world-class beaches to its strong cultural portfolio.

"Tourism to Mazatlan continues to grow as the destination launches new programs and initiatives to appeal to a variety of tourists," said Carlos Berdegue, President and CEO of El Cid Resorts, and vice president of the Mazatlan Hotel Association. "There is increasing demand for air service to our destination, particularly for meetings and conventions."

Thus far in 2013, airline load factor on incoming flights from Mazatlan from the U.S. and Canada have improved an average of 20%, year on year. In December of last year, U.S. and Canada based airlines reported high passenger load factors to Mazatlan, all reaching air seat capacity over 75%: U.S. Airways (94.67 percent); Alaska Airlines (91.26 percent); Sun Wing Airlines (90.52 percent); WestJet (89.54 percent); and American Eagle (75.24 percent.

Mexico's Ministry of Tourism recently appointed El Rosario, a colonial town nearby Mazatlan, as a Magic Town – a distinction for highly cultural places in Mexico which appeal to tourists – and Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History recognized Las Labradas, volcanic rocks nearby the village of Chicayota 51 km north of Mazatlan, as an archaeological monument zone.

Later this month, on February 28, Mazatlan will host the NAFTA Golf Tournament for the second consecutive year and welcomes more than 150 professional and amateur golfers from United States, Canada and Mexico.

About Mazatlan Mazatlan is a thriving cultural destination in southwest Mexico known to many as "the Pearl of the Pacific." Set at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan is one of the Mexican Riviera's premier resort areas and has become a popular retreat for the national and international community of 440,000 inhabitants. Named Travelocity's "Best Family Beach in Mexico" amongst fierce competition, the city of Mazatlan is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlan, or Centro Historico, and the Zona Dorada connected by a 7-mile Malecon along the beach.

Recognized for its world-class beaches, golfing, gastronomy and cultural offering, Mazatlan is an ideal vacation getaway for all ages on the Mexican Riviera: you can see The Lighthouse (El Faro), the second-tallest natural light house in the world; you can experience the famous Angela Peralta Theater nearby the charming Plazuela Machado; and you can taste the exquisite gastronomy, whether a local pastry shop in Old Mazatlan or the world-famous seafood at The Shrimp Bucket. So, come try it all yourself. Go Mazatlan.

For more information, or to arrange an interview with a Mazatlan spokesperson, please contact: Kelsey Garvey Ogilvy Public Relations Phone:+1-646-249-7629 kelsey.garvey@ogilvy.com